The making of a good team leader

IN MANY JOB advertisements, there is a constant requirement that applicants be good team leaders.

How does one know how good (or bad) they are in team-leading? Here are a few pointers:

Lead from the front

Have you have heard the phrase “good leaders lead by example?” Well, this is right. As a leader, you are expected to understand what it takes toget a job done. This should help you understand the issues raised by juniors when you question them about a particular task.

Be fair

Quality team leaders are known for their fairness. This builds confidence among juniors when they know that rewards and recognition, as well as disciplinary action will be meted out without fear or favour.

Be flexible

Are you the kind of person others can run to with new ideas and are assured of thorough attention? Or does this make you feel undermined? A good leader should be open to new ideas and innovations that can end up cutting business expenditure. If the ideas are too ambitious, how do you communicate this to your juniors without making them feel unappreciated?

Be influential

Influence is an important trait of a leader. This is different from dictatorship.

An influential leader will inspire the commitment of fellow team players and ensure smooth running of the task assigned to them. This also helps gain the confidence of juniors by involving them in decision making processes, as well as effective communication.

Be a good example

It is good being a leader, but are you respected? Following simple company rules and regulations will ensure that you hold the position with dignity. You should not be caught skipping work, worse still when your juniors know that you are doing so. That will place you in an awkward position when you tell them to follow the same rules you have disregarded.

Learn to forgive

There will be times when there will be strained relationships with your juniors. If you use these incidents to the other person’s disadvantage, then you are not being a fair leader. In as much as you are not advocating a repeat of the mistake, do not use the incident to disqualify the individual from an award or recognition.

Cohesive force

How do you relate with your team players? There should be a sense of cohesiveness between the team at all times. This will keep the working environment conducive for productivity. Ensure that everyone is comfortable with one another and that there is a good working relationship. You should also be a good conflict manager by employing your negotiation and decision-making skills. Conflicts will always be there at the workplace, however good a leader you are.